Morocco’s General Directorate of Meteorology issued an updated red level weather alert on Monday, warning that several northern provinces are expected to see very heavy rainfall that may be accompanied by thunderstorms, with official accumulations forecast at 100 to 150 millimeters.
The red alert covers Chefchaouen, Mdiq Fnideq, Tetouan, Tanger Assilah, Ouezzane, Larache and Fahs Anjra, with the episode expected to start at midnight on Wednesday, Feb 4, and last until 11 p.m. the same day, according to the updated bulletin.
The agency also raised parts of the country to orange level for additional rounds of rain. It forecast 40 to 80 millimeters in provinces including Taounate, Al Hoceima and Kenitra, while 25 to 40 millimeters are expected in Rabat, Sale, Sidi Slimane, Khemisset and parts of the Atlas ranges.
In parallel, the directorate warned of heavy snowfall from elevations above 1,500 meters, with 40 to 60 centimeters expected in Sefrou, Boulemane, Taza, Guercif, Ifrane, Midelt, Beni Mellal, Khenifra and Tinghir. Snowfall totals of 10 to 40 centimeters are forecast in Al Haouz, Azilal and Ouarzazate from Monday, Feb 2, through midday Wednesday, Feb 4.
The bulletin also flagged strong wind gusts, expected to reach 75 to 100 kilometers per hour from Tuesday through late Wednesday across northern provinces, the Rif, the eastern regions and the Saiss, with impacts extending toward Al Haouz and Souss.
Authorities in Morocco routinely use the vigilance scale to communicate flood, wind and snow risk, with red alerts typically associated with the highest expected impacts. The forecast comes during the core winter season, when intense Atlantic systems can trigger flash flooding in northern river basins and disrupt road links over mountain passes.
Local officials often urge residents near wadis and low lying areas to stay alert for sudden rises in water levels. Travelers may face delays on mountain roads due to snow clearing, and port and airport operations are sometimes affected by wind and low visibility.
The meteorology agency said it would update bulletins as conditions evolve overnight.
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